Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22999, Nicholas Edwards, R.I.

SERVICE
P. A. S.
NUMBER _____
Edwards, Nicholas      NUMBER      N. 22999. Nancy
CONTENTS

Rhode Island - 1889
Marcy Edmond.
widow of Nicholas Edmond
R.I.
who died on the 29 th June 1812 of Providence in the State of R. Island who was a P.M. in the C.S. commanded by Captain Sheldon of the R.I. commanded by Col. West - in the R. Island line for 12 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of March 1838, and sent to Mrs. Sarah Titus, S. Scituate, R. Island.
Arrears to the 4th of inst. - $ 280.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th inst. 20.00
$ 300.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by R. Burdick Clerk,
Book A - Vol. 2 - Page 86

Dec,
Mr. Edwards

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d section of the act of Congress of the 4 th July 1836
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations } ss. County of Kent } ss
On this 14 th day of June 1837 personally appeared before me, John Wood — one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, of Kent, which is a court of record. Marcy Edwards, a resident of East Greenwich in the county of Kent and State of Rhode Island aged 88 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836 - That she is the widow of Nicholas Edwards, who was a private in the army of the revolution, that during the time of said revolution said Nicholas lived in the town of Scituate, County of Providence and State of Rhode Island, - that she is now sick and confined to her bed, & has been sick for the past year, that she has neglected the forwarding her claim for a pension wholly on account of her sickness, but getting no better, she has resolved to wait no longer on that account - that said Nicholas served in said revolution, on various alarms, of danger, and also on various monthly tours, of service in the R. I. Militia upon drafts; That she has heard him state of being stationed at different places on duty, to wit, at Warwick Warren, Bristol, Kingston Rhode Island, Newport, East, Greenwich and other places not recollect - that she believes Capt. Samuel Wilton, Jonathan Wright, Stephen

Sheldon and Simon Harrington were at different times his captains in said war, that Colonels West, Waterman Kimball, Hosson and Brown were at different times his Colonels - That according to her last recollection and belief of the actual services of said Nicholas in said revolutionary war, he served as much as two years, and over that time That she is so old and infirm that she cannot recollect the different terms so as to give the months and years of them all - but that she can say that on the alarm of the Lexington fight, said Nicholas turned out and went and was gone over one week, that he turned it in 1775 for the army between Norwich and Roxbury for some time, but can't say how many months - That she thinks he was first drafted in the summer of 1776 in Capt Sheldon's company, & served a month, and that she had also served some before, under Capt Sheldon in a minute company, That in the fall of 1776 she thinks he was drafted for a term of one month, which he served out under said Sheldon, that in December 1776 she thinks on the general alarm that said Nicholas turned out and served a month That in the spring of 1777 he was again drafted, served one month. That in the summer of 1777 he was drafted served another month, that in the fall of 1777 he was drafted served another month That in 1778 he was drafted as many as four different times, for a month each, which he served out That in 1779 he was drafted as many as four different times for a month each, which he served out,

That in 1780 he was drafted as many as two different times for a month each, which he served out, That in 1781 he was also drafted as many as two different times for a month each which he served out - She has no documentary evidence of his service - That she cannot say but he did more service than here referred to, but thinks said Nicholas did more than two years service in all, as before stated, but that she wishes her case decided upon the proof adduced, whether for her or against her, as the witnesses of the revolution are fast hastening to their final account. She further declares that she was married to the said Nicholas on the 5 th day of April 1768, at Sintergraft as described by Thomas Hill, a Justice of the Peace, That her husband the aforesaid Nicholas Edwards died on the 29 th day of June 1812 and that she has remained his widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof annexed -
Sworn to and subscribed Mary his X Edwards mark on the day and year above written - I also certify that said Mary by reason of age and bodily infirmity, is wholly unable to go abroad to attend court to make this declaration, I also certify that she is a person of good character for truth & veracity & Kent County ss } John Wood, C.C. & B.A. June 14. 1837 }

I Elizabeth Bailey of East Greenwich in the county of Kent State of Rhode Island aged 55 years do say on oath that I am the daughter of Mary Edwards, an applicant for a pension that my father Nicholas Edwards died on the 29 th day of June 1812 since which time said Mary has continued his widow - That she has often heard her said father tell of serving in the revolutionary war - and that my mother last August was informed that by an act of Congress she was entitled to a pension, that she had no one to assist her about getting it; she then lived in Scituate in the county of Providence, and was about making arrangements to move here, that in October, she was well enough to ride with me, with great fatigue and trouble, to Benjamin Williams in Scituate for the purpose of getting him to assist her in taking evidence for her, Mr. Williams informed us that he had not taken his engagement, as a justice & so could not assist us, we sent for Mr. Titter who lived in the same town, to come and assist her, but mother was taken sick while at Mr. Williams, so that it was difficult for me to get her home, she has been sick ever since, is now quite sick, and she has put off closing the business in hopes of getting better

but has continued sick, and grows weaker, her life is despaired of; she sent however, by my husband, for Mr Titus, a few past, to come and assist her, which he is now doing -
Elizabeth for Bailey
State of Rhode Island
math
Kent County ss
} In East Greenwich
This 14 day of June 1837 Personally came Before me the above named Elizabeth Bailey and made Oath to the truth of the above deposition I also certify that said Elizabeth is a woman of good credibility as a Witness
Witness John Wood J.C.C. Pres

Given under my hand this 10 th day of August 1837.
These are to certify that Nicholas Edwards and Mary Edwards both of Scituate in the County of Providence were Lawfully Married in Scituate aforesaid on the 5 th day of April 1767.
Recorded from No. 1768.
By me, Thomas Hill, Just. Peace,
W th Gideon Harris, Town, Clerk
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from Scituate Records of Marriages Vol. first Book Page 216, duly Examined. Witness Josiah Westcott, Town, Clerk
State of Rhode Island } ss. August 2 nd 1837 Then Josiah Westcott County of Providence } made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed. I also certify that he is town clerk of said town. Joseph Silas, Just. Peace

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Rev
File No. 22,999
Mary Edwards Wid. of Nicholas Edwards Prov. Rev. War.
Act July 4 1836.
Index: Vol A , Page 210
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mar 24
Edward Marshall Coeur has hafem
L. L. Edwards Com d of Pensions Washington City D.C.

South Scituate R. I March 21 1838
J. L. Edwards Comr of Pensions,
Dear Sir,
I have not received the Pension Certificate of Marcy Edwards, widow of Nicholas Edwards, although by a letter of yours dated in Nov. last it seems her claim had been examined - I hope you will forward it immediately - yours with Respect-
Joseph Titus

Dec 23 South Scituate, R.I. December 19 th
Free
Can't Mary Edwards RD J. L. Edwards Comr of Pension Washington City D.C.

South Scituate Rhode Island
Dec 18. 1837
J. L. Edwards, Commr of Pensions,
Dear Sir,
Yours of November 6, was received on Saturday last, it having been by mistake sent to South Scituate (Mass). It is confined to the application of Mrs Marcy Edwards, widow of Nicholas Edwards deceased - You state that "Under the most favorable view of the case, the Department cannot allow for more than 12 months service &c." -
As she is both old & sick, as well as rather distitute, her case ought not to be further delayed in taking testimony, even if she could procure it, which is not likely, therefore she will take a certificate upon the testimony at the Depart- ment! She had hoped that the Department would have found her case, to have given proof sufficient of more service, to wit, of at least 14 1/2 months - But if in your wisdom, you see that would be unwarrantable, then please to forward to me a certificate for the time as stated in yours - & so oblige yours
Sarah Titus.

So Situate Ditches 2, N.S. Oct 2 Mary Edwards Rd
Am
19 Aug 24/89 Edward, Esq Conne & Parsons Washington City, D.C.

South Scituate R.I. October 20, 1837
J. L. Edwards Com r of Pensions
Dear Sir,
I write to enquire whether the papers of Mrs Marcy Edwards, a claimant for a Pension have been received. They were forwarded by me sometime since - She is quite old and feeble, having been sick over a year, and is anxious to hear from her claim as soon as possible; if the papers have d been received, you would confer a favour upon the old lady, in completing the examination of her case, and sending me the result - Yours with Respect Jonah T. Davis -

6 Edwards states.
  Oct. 77  Capt Knight  1 mo.  Spec Ex.     Apr 78   1 -  Warren Rd     Aug 78   1 -  Williams     Jun 79   1 -  -  4 mo  
Thos Parker states that he has seen him on monthly basis at various places. But nothing definite.
In Farmington
  Mar 75  1 mo. Capt Sheldon     Aug 75  4 mo 10 ds  quad. / Capt Sheldon     1 mo -  6 mo. 10  
Stephen Young
  Apr 76  1 mo. - Williams     Apr 77  1 mo. Williams     Oct 77  1 mo. Knight     May 78  1 mo -     June  # 2/3 mo. Williams  3. 15    Aug # 78  1/2  13. 25    Jun 78  1/2   
James Heaward
  Feb 78  + 1 mo. Capt Knight  12 mo. - all that can be allowed    Fall 78  + 1 mo. - Knight    Aug 79  + 1 mo. -    Oct Fall 79  + 1 -    Apr 78  + 1 -     -  

Nicholas Edwards Married 1767 Died 1812
75 7 days Lex 76 1 mo. Sheldon } 2 1 1 77 1 3 1 3 1 3 78 4 3 — 4 79 4 3 — 4 80 2 3 — 2 81 2 3 — 2
17 7 2 15 =

V Marcy Edwards Wid. of Nicholas ER Sus. W. Jonah Htun Nov 4 1837
Ad 4 July 1837

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode- Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name, " HENRY BOWEN, " to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Provi- dence, this ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- seven and of Independence the sixty- second
John Brown Francis
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office August 9. 1837.
I certify that at the session of the General assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday in May last John Wood was elected an associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the county of Kent - and Jonah Titus a Justice of the Peace for the town of Scituate in the county of Providence, each for one year, and commissioned accordingly as appears of record in this office.
The signatures "John Wood" and "Jonah Titus" to the certificates annexed are genuine.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy.

I Christopher Edwards of Scituate in the county of Providence, aged 80 years, do say on oath, that I was well acquainted with Nicholas Edwards, late of said Scituate, in the time of the revolutionary war, he was my elder brother; he did a good deal service in the Rhode Island Militia, as a private, during said war, upon drafts, alarms &c. I now remember of serving some terms of one month each with my said brother Nicholas; besides he was on service, at various other times, in guarding the shores and helping take care of the property of the citizens against the invaders - when I was not with him; In the month of October 1777 he and I were both members of Jonathan Knight's Company, stationed at Kingston and Bristol, under the command of General Spencer, upon a draft for one month, which we served out; he and I served a term of one month upon draft stationed at Warren, in Capt Samuel Williams Company, and Col John Watermans Regiment; I think this was in April 1778, he and I did also serve, upon a draft, one month each in Capt Samuel Williams company, as I now believe, under General Sullivan in August 1778 stationed on Rhode Island - The other month which I served with him, was on a draft stationed at Warwick, in the summer of 1779 and we were in Capt Samuel Williams company and Colonel Thomson's Highland Regiment - The above service he did with me - in April 1775 said Nicholas marched upon the alarm at Lexington under Capt Joseph Knight, to Boston, and was gone over a

week; I also know that he did other Service in 1775, 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, and I think some in the three following years,, he was well during the war & went when called upon - his widow is Mary Edwards, who is a person of good Character for truth & veracity - said Nicholas has been dead I believe since 1812 and said Mary has continued his widow to this day -
Christopher his Edwards mark
attest Jonah Titus Nicholas B. Morris
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } Is June 16. 1837
Then Christopher Edwards signed the foregoing affidavit made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated! I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises - Done before me. Jonah Titus, Just. Peace
Jonah

I Thomas Parker of Scituate in the county of Plymouth aged 81 years on solemn do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Nicholas Edwards, formerly of this town but now deceased, in the time of the revolutionary war, he was a soldier in said revolution and did various monthly tours of service in the field and on alarms; there were some companies of minutemen, in the first part of the war, and Stephen Sheldon commanded one of them, in the first part of the war, in which I always understood that said Nicholas did duty for some time, which I think was in the year 1775, I am not well, and by reason of age and consequent infirmary, cannot state the precise amount of that portion of said Nicholas's service, with which I was acquainted at the time; however, I remember of seeing him on duty upon what were called monthly tours, at Warwick, Bristol, Warren and Newport at different times, and under different captains I also can say, that he has a reputation of having done much service in said war; I also recollect that he was a good soldier - and I am sorry that my memory fails so that I cannot get hold of the exact time of his service, and his officers, but I do remember of seeing him serving in Captain Samuel Witham and Jonathan Knight Company

He also recited that Mary Edwards the widow of said Nicholas, was the daughter of William Edwards, and that the named said Nicholas's father, was also Nicholas - said Mary is a person of good character for truth and veracity - and in my opinion as well entitled to a pension, as any other widow of a soldier, who served in the said revolution -
affidavit
Jonah Titus
Thomas his { Parker mark
Sworn to before me Parker
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } ss June 15. 1837
Then Thomas Parker signed the foregoing affidavit made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated; I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises - done Before me Jonah Titus Justice Peace

I John Harrington of Fitch in the county of Providence State of Rhode Island aged 84 years do say upon oath that I was acquainted with Nicholas Edwards, late of Scituate in said County deceased in 1775; that soon after the alarm from Boston in April of that year; said Nicholas enlisted into a company of Minute men of which I was then a member commanded by said Capt. Stephen Sheldon and in June 1775 said Nicholas was ordered to Block Island in said Company; and we marched by way of East Greenwich, South Kingston, and Stonington, at which last place we took shipping and went by water, we got the stock off this Island, and then were ordered to Rhode Island, for which last we were dismissed after serving full one month in this town, said Nicholas served as a private in said town, his home being in said Scituate; that between the first and tenth of August 1775 said Nicholas with said Company was ordered to Rhode Island, he was in marched to Warwick, from there we were carried in boats to Kingston, then we marched to Rhode Island and there we secured some horses, a half watch of the company of Capt. Wallen; whilst on this service we were ordered over on to the Island of Conanicut where we were kept on duty till the 20th of December, when we were dismissed on this last last tour said Nicholas served at least four months and ten days — making at least five months and ten days which Nicholas served as a private in said Company with me in that year of 1775 We had no field officers with us; and I think that Sheldon received his orders from the Council of War. Capt. Sheldon was a brave man but left one in his was a great coward — We had no tents, but lodged in the out buildings & woods and made the best shifts we could; we were

! paid in paper money by Capt Sheldon, John Harrington
State of Rhode Island County of Providence } As. July 27. 1837 then
John Harrington made oath that facts stated in the foregoing affidavit are true in all their parts - I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises before me Jonah Titus Just Peace

I Stephen Young of Scituate in the county of Providence aged 78 years do say upon solemn oath, that I was well acquainted with Nicholas Edwards late of said Scituate Deceased, in the time of the revolution in March and April 1776 I know that said Nicholas was drafted and served a term of one month stationed at Bristol in Capt. Samuel Williams Company and Col. W m West's Regiment; I served that term with him, for my father - In March & April 1777 he was again drafted and  on a term of one month and stationed at one Reads house which stood within in Bristol or Warren, he served out said term in said Williams Company - In the Regiment of Col. W m West, I served said term with him - In Gen. Spencer's expedition, in September and October 1777 said Nicholas served a term of one month in said Williams Company, or in Capt. John Knight's Company under General Spencer, I then belonged in Col. Cramley's Regt. and often saw said Edwards during his serving said term, In the time with the Militia; In May and June 1778 said Edwards served a term of one month upon draft in Capt. John Knight's Company, in Col. Thos. Holden's Regt , as I believe, I was still in Col. Cramley's Regiment, and saw said Edwards often, during the time of his serving out said term - In August, 1778 said Edwards served a term of about twenty days on Rhode Island in Capt. Samuel Williams Company under Gen. Sullivan - I was there on duty & saw him - is the way I am knowing it - In the year 1780, soon after haying, I think the month of September, upon an alarm Edwards with myself and others, upon an alarm, went to Newport and were soon dismissed, and were going home,

When the alarm was removed, and Edward & myself returned, to Newport, Edward and myself were then marched to Bristol and there stationed under Capt. Wilton, and served as many as at least fifteen days; I think we were all under the command of Gen. Erskine. Said Nicholas Edward married Mary Edward said Nicholas died about twenty four years ago, since which time, said Mary has continued his widow.
Stephen Young
State of Rhode Island County of Providence } As June 29 th 1837 then Stephen Young, sign of the foregoing affidavit made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated! I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises - Before me Jonah Fitch, Just. Peace

4887 J. 76, V 2489 for N.E. Marcey Edwards late of Mich. day R. J. 12 mo.
adm d 12 mo pri 40 $ no deduction Jonah Titus Esq S. Scituate R. J.

I James Howard of Foster in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 78 years do say on oath, that I was well acquainted with Nicholas Edwards late of Scituate in said County, deceased in the time of the revolutionary war, and know of his doing the following service as a private in the Rhode Island Militia in said war - he served upon a draft in Capt Jonathan Knight's Company & Col John Waterman's Regiment stationed at Warwick in January and February 1778, said tour commenced the last of January. In the fall of 1778 beginning about the 15 th of October he served one other tour of a month, stationed at said Warwick upon a draft in said Capt Knight's Company & in Col Chas Brown's Regt also he served one other tour of a month upon a draft stationed at Bristol commencing about the 5 th of July and ending about the 5 th of August 1779 under the same officers also in the fall of 1779 between the 20 th of October and the 25 th of November he served a tour of one month upon a draft stationed at Warwick in Capt Knight's Company & in Col Cooke's Regt - This tour commenced the last of March and ended the last of April of that year - I followed the war and saw him on these tours, which I have stated according to my best recollection and belief; I always understood from him and others in his day, that he served considerably in a company of minutemen, in 1775, commanded by Capt Stephen Sheldon; he was older than I was, and took a pretty forward part but I was less acquainted with him in the former part of the war than towards the latter part when I was very well acquainted in kind - he had the name of doing more service than I have

or can swear to, but that was when I was not with him -
his James X Howard mark Attest Jonah Titus Susan B Howard
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } } Feb. August 2. 1837
I then James Howard, sign of the foregoing made oath that the facts therein stated are all true according to his best knowledge and belief - I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises before me
Jonah Titus. Just. Peace